The Indiana Fever picked former South Carolina standout and 2022 Naismith Player of the Year Aliyah Boston with the first choice in the 2023 WNBA draft at Spring Studios in New York City on Monday night.
Boston, a 6-foot-5 big from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, joined two-time league MVP A’ja Wilson as South Carolina’s second overall choice in 2018.
“It’s just extremely amazing,” said Boston, who shone at the draft with a white jumpsuit and largely purple hair. “I’m appreciative to God for placing me in this position and to everyone in Indiana for seeing something in me and I’m just excited to get there and get to work.”
Boston, Laeticia Amihere (No. 8 by the Atlanta Dream), Zia Cooke (No. 10 by the Los Angeles Sparks), Brea Beal (No. 24 by the Minnesota Lynx), and Victaria Saxton (No (No. 25 by the Fever).
South Carolina joined Notre Dame in 2019 and Tennessee in 2008 and 1999 as the fourth program with at least five draft picks.
Dawn Staley, one of the sport’s most distinguished players and coaches, was there to congratulate her players, four of whom went 129-9 and reached three straight Final Fours.
Boston attributed the Gamecocks’ draft dominance to their “competition and work.” We’ve all worked hard. Our presence at this draft is special.”
As expected, the Lynx picked Maryland’s Diamond Miller second overall, becoming her the second Maryland player to be drafted that high (Marissa Coleman was the other in 2009).
Miller recalled watching Maya Moore when the Lynx picked her. I’m not filling her shoes. Diamond Miller is my new name. [Lynx coach and basketball operations president] Cheryl [Reeve] seems difficult, so I’m eager.”
The Dallas Wings selected Villanova’s Maddy Siegrist, who scored 29.2 points per game as a senior, third overall.
Siegrist called it a dream come true. I’m speechless. You’re thinking a million things. I wouldn’t be here without my teammates and wonderful individuals.
Stephanie Soares, picked fourth overall by the Washington Mystics before being traded to the Wings, was the second Iowa State player drafted since 2010. Two-time NAIA Division I player of the year Soares, who played 13 games for the Cyclones last season before injuring her ACL in January, will miss the 2023 WNBA season.
Soares claimed rehab was progressing nicely. “[The] pure thrill of traveling to Washington but now getting to go to Dallas, I mean, it’ll be a tremendous, amazing next step to the adventure.”
The Mystics, who have traded a first-round selection for four years, acquired the Wings’ 2024 second-round pick and the Dream’s 2025 first-rounder for Soares.
Indiana’s first No. 1 choice, Boston, was a celebration for a program that has struggled since Tamika Catchings’ retirement in 2016.
The league’s longest ongoing playoff drought, Indiana is coming off a 5-31 season in 2022. This summer, the Fever appointed Christie Sides as head coach and removed general manager Lin Dunn’s interim tag.
Boston joined Indiana to “learn from everyone that’s there already… but also to sort of be who I am and just continue to compete.” I think everyone on the Fever will compete and work hard. I’m thrilled to start with everyone.”
Boston, a potential franchise player, led the Gamecocks to three consecutive Final Fours and the 2022 national title in Columbia over four years. She also won three first-team All-American, two SEC Player of the Year, and four Lisa Leslie center of the year trophies.
She’s fantastic. “She’s ready,” Staley remarked of Boston during the 2023 Final Four. Our program has relied on her for four years. She lifted us. She improved basketball technique. She’s always happy. She’s never sulked. She’s consistent.
“I slept well knowing she was in our program, and I’ll sleep well knowing she’s OK and will undoubtedly make her mark at the next level.”
“Aliyah Boston will immediately influence our franchise on and off the court,” Dunn added. “We are eager to match her with Kelsey Mitchell and NaLyssa Smith as we reload the Indiana Fever. Aliyah’s post talents and natural leadership astound us. Our franchise is doing well today!”
Boston joins Baylor’s 2022 No. 2 overall pick, Smith, and Boston’s old South Carolina colleague, Destanni Henderson, in Indianapolis. The Fever took Grace Berger, Indiana’s first first-round draft pick, at No. 7.
Ohio State’s Taylor Mikesell, LSU’s LaDazhia Williams, and Saxton completed the Fever’s draft class.